Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Jay Armstrong Johnson to star in Pool Boy at Barrington Stage

Jay Armstrong Johnson stars in Pool Boy. Live. On Stage. in Pittsfield. Photo by Matthew Murphy


Pool Boy, a new musical by Nikon Tsakalakos and Janet Allard will debut at Barrington Stage in two weeks time. Beyond being the hilarous tale of a - what else - pool boy at the Hotel Bel Air it is also a chance to see Jay Armstrong Johnson again. He was last in these parts two years ago in Hairspray at the Weston, VT Playhouse, and has been making a name for himself both on Broadway and on the road ever since.

Jay Armstrong Johnson

You can read the full casting details (and see more pictures) in Berkshire on Stage. Watch also for my upcoming interview with Nikos on how this production went from a summer job where he was at the mercy of everyone else's decisions, to a summer job where his input is sought.



Now here's a cute video that shows off both the musical abilities of Jay A. Johnson and his warm personality.

Now here's the thing. This show, with its great contemporary music by Nikos and a fabulous cast is already rapidly selling tickets as the word of mouth spreads. The Stage Two is a small 200 seat house, and has been home to a string of really fine shows - Freud's Last Session (which goes to NYC after it finishes next week) and The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez which had hardly a spare ticket during its extended run. Tip: shows there are general admission, so arrive early for the closer seats.

Out @ BSC on July 8


Reminder: OUT@BSC will take place on three Thursdays this summer. The first is July 8 with a performance of Sweeney Todd and a post show party at Jae’s Spice. Don't forget to ask for your 10% off discount. Read about the first program of its kind for the GLBT community by a major Berkshire cultural institution. A decent turnout means we will see more "out" events in the future too. I thought this Sweeney Todd (review here) was quite wonderful.

Performances of Pool Boy are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 7:30pm at BSC Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield. Opening Night: Wed., July 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15-$45. Seniors: $20 all matinees. Pay What You Can Night for 35 year olds and younger: Fri., July 16 at 7:30pm. Post-show discussions with the cast will be held following the Thursday, July 15 and Thursday, August 5 performances. For ticket information call 413-236-8888, stop by the BSC Box Office at 30 Union Street or visit www.barringtonstageco.org. I suppose I don't have to remind you that Pool Boy contains adult situations (mostly straight) and strong language.

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